Garden of Lights Custodian

This is a temporary, seasonal, part-time position. Shifts are Wednesday through Sunday evenings, from November 18, 2026 through January 10, 2027, with a maximum of 25 hours per week. The event is closed December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1.
The Garden of Lights Custodian is responsible for the overall cleanliness of Garden of Lights, one of the college’s premier community engagement events hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. This includes the event grounds, pathways, and guest areas; trash and recycling throughout the site; the restrooms in two locations; and the safe cleanup of spills, vomit, and other bodily fluids.
The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are open to garden visitors during the day, and Garden of Lights guests use the same space from 4:00 p.m. onward. As the last person to leave each night, the Custodian makes sure the site is clean and ready for Garden visitors the next morning, then secures the area.
This is a family event, and clean, well-stocked restrooms and grounds are key to an excellent guest experience. Garden of Lights is a fast-paced event, with new groups of guests arriving every 30 minutes, so the grounds, trash receptacles, and restrooms must be checked frequently.
Works as part of the Garden of Lights event team, in coordination with the Nightly Event Manager, follows all safety and chemical-handling procedures, and promptly reports any maintenance issue, supply need, or safety concern.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Shifts are Wednesday–Sunday evenings, November 18, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1), with a maximum of 25 hours per week. Shifts end only after all guests and staff have left and the site is ready for Garden visitors the next morning. Consistent evening and weekend availability is required throughout the season.
Start of Shift:

• Check in with the Nightly Event Manager to review expected attendance and any known issues.
• Walk the event grounds, pathways, and guest areas to confirm they are clean and free of litter and hazards before guests arrive.
• Confirm trash and recycling receptacles across the site are empty and lined.
• Inspect both restroom locations and confirm they are clean, working, and fully stocked (toilet paper, paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, trash liners).
• Confirm cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and bodily fluid cleanup kits are stocked and ready.

May include other duties as they arise assigned by the Executive Director of the Gardens or Nightly Event Manager
During the Event:

• Monitor the event grounds, pathways, and guest areas throughout the evening, picking up litter and cleaning spills promptly to prevent slips and trip hazards.
• Empty trash and recycling receptacles throughout the event grounds as they fill, and replace liners.
• Check and clean the restrooms in both locations frequently, including toilets, sinks, mirrors, floors, and fixtures, and restock supplies as needed.
• Clean up vomit, blood, and other bodily fluids anywhere on the event grounds promptly and safely: cordon off the area, wear gloves and other required PPE, use approved absorbents and disinfectants, dispose of contaminated materials properly, and follow bloodborne pathogens and college safety procedures.
• Respond promptly to spills, clogs, or other issues reported by staff or guests; report any plumbing or maintenance problems immediately.
• Use and store cleaning chemicals safely, following label directions, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and college procedures, and wear required PPE.

End of Night (Last to Leave):

• Get the site ready for Sandhills Horticultural Gardens visitors the next morning: pick up litter, clean guest areas and pathways, and reset areas as directed.
• Empty all trash and recycling receptacles, replace liners, and take trash to the designated dumpster or collection area.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize the restrooms in both locations, including toilets, urinals, sinks, counters, mirrors, partitions, and floors, and restock all supplies.
• Confirm all guests and staff have left, turn off lights and equipment as directed, lock restrooms and storage areas, and secure the site.
• Report any supply needs, damage, or maintenance issues to the Executive Director of the Gardens and the Nightly Event Manager.
• Success in this role will be measured by the overall cleanliness of the event, clean and well-stocked restrooms, a clean site ready for Garden visitors each morning, guest satisfaction, safe work practices, and reliability.

Required education and experience:
[Indicate requirements that are job-related and consistent with business necessity]

Experience in custodial, janitorial, housekeeping, or facilities cleaning work. Knowledge of cleaning methods, supplies, and equipment for outdoor grounds, restrooms, and public spaces. Willingness to clean up vomit, blood, and other bodily fluids using gloves, PPE, and established safety procedures; must complete bloodborne pathogens training before starting work. Ability to use cleaning chemicals safely and follow Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and safety procedures. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including late at night as the last person on site. Reliable and punctual, with strong attention to detail. Reliable transportation and availability for Wednesday–Sunday evening shifts throughout the event season. Courteous and helpful with guests and staff.

Preferred education and experience:
[Indicate requirements that are job-related and consistent with business necessity]

Custodial experience at large public events, venues, or outdoor attractions. Familiarity with the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).